Baseball: Relievers' path is fraught with peril and difficult choices

11:12 PM,
Jul. 1, 2013

Written by

Matt Slovin
USA Today

It has taken all of Jason Grilli's 11 seasons in the major leagues to finally find a home.

He has an endearing nickname ("Grill Cheese") and job security that he never had enjoyed, as the closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who surprisingly have the best record in baseball. Grilli, 36, even has his own foreboding entrance - set to Pearl Jam's "Whipping" - that signifies to Pirates fans an impending win.

Although he enjoys all the creature comforts that come with a closer's role - and a potentially huge payday awaiting him in free agency when he's eligible after the season - Grilli realizes he's the ...